pvma position statements

Endorsement and Expansion of the AAEP Position Statement on Therapeutic Medications in Non-Racing Performance Horse

Approved by the Board of Trustees, Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association January 27, 2007

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) endorses and expands the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) Position Statement on Therapeutic Medications in Non-Racing Performance Horses (2002). Three specific areas of emphasis modify the position statement and make it more applicable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Position Statement on Non-Economic Damages

Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association on March 9, 2005

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association is dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare. We support the resolution drafted by the Council of State Governments and adopted by their governing board in September 2004. We do not support any legislation that would elevate the rights of animals above the rights of people.

Position Statement on Pets as Property

Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association on March 9, 2005

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) is dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare and we feel very strongly that animals are not property in the same way that tables, lamps, or cars are property. We further believe that owners should be allowed to prove that pet animals have economic values above their purchase price or fair market value. Because of current common law precedents, legislative changes most likely will be necessary to allow for expansion of these economic values. We further believe that an appropriate definition of a pet must be developed prior to any changes or expansions in the laws on damages for pet loss. In our search of PA law and the laws of other states, we have been unable to find an adequate definition for a “pet” or “companion animal” that would allow us to reach a consensus on the subject of pets as property. PVMA is developing a definition and welcomes comments from all interested parties.

Position Statement on Owner vs. Guardian

Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association on March 9, 2005

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association is dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare and the human-animal bond. We support the current legal standing of animals as the property of their owners. We oppose the use of the term “guardian” to describe these parties. Guardian is a well-defined legal term that is not appropriate in describing the relationship between owners and their animals. We believe such a change could ultimately lead to excessive interference by third parties or governmental officials who impose their views on responsible animal owners. We believe that such interference with traditional property rights will impair the ability of animal shelters and humane associations to function effectively with available financial and human resources. The traditional ownership relationship confers property rights on owners that ensure their personal control over appropriate financial and medical decisions regarding the well-being of their animals. Lastly, the current status of animals is critical to allow the legal imposition of measures for control of infectious diseases to protect the public health and safety. Therefore, we believe a change in terms from “owner” to “guardian” would ultimately have a negative effect on animal welfare, animal care givers, and on society.

Definition of a Pet

Approved by the Board of Trustees on August 11, 2005

Pet shall mean:A domesticated animal that has been bought, bred, raised or otherwise acquired and maintained in accordance with local, state and federal laws for the primary purpose of providing companionship and/or enjoyment to the owner. The owner must show that the animal has received adequate care including, but not limited to: food, shelter, space, water, light, ventilation, sanitation, exercise, and veterinary care as required to prevent illnesses and maintain the health of the animal; thus illustrating that the owner manifests a clear concern for the animal’s health, safety, and welfare.

Companionship and/or enjoyment includes substantial evidence of an existing “human-animal bond” with the owner. To establish the existence of this “human-animal bond,” the owner must demonstrate a strong and continuous relationship between the owner and the animal, including, but not limited to, most of the following criteria:

A name that has been consistently used and known to those in regular contact with the animal;

Clear and convincing evidence of regular contact and interaction with the owner appropriate for the species;

A consistent showing of a positive emotional attachment to the animal;

Service and/or assistance to a human with the day-to-day requirements of independent living;

and/orActivities and efforts that demonstrate a unique personal attachment to the animal.

For the purposes hereof, Pet shall not include animals used for the sole purpose of food, fiber, agriculture, biomedical production, research, teaching, or testing; or in a for-profit venture; wildlife as defined by any state or federal statute; or animals used in activities regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159).